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Mike Pence on Gun Control

Republian nominee for Vice President; Governor of Indiana; former Representative (IN-6)

 


Allowing guns in school parking lots was common-sense reform

Q: You signed a law that would allow guns in locked vehicles in school parking lots.

PENCE: "The bill really was a common-sense reform. We actually had parents that had a permit to conceal and carry a weapon that were finding them-selves guilty of a fe

"Congress should rebuff attempts to restrict the Second Amendment and recognize that programs such as national firearms registration and the assault weapons ban are antithetical to the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans. Furthermore, Congress should recognize the primacy of state law in matters related to firearms purchases and registration and should support state efforts to disarm dangerous criminals." [Office Of Mike Pence via Wayback Machine, 2010]

Source: Trump Research Book on Mike Pence , Sep 22, 2020

Gun ownership increases public safety

In the wake of the terrorist attack on a recruiting station in Chattanooga, Tennessee, I'm proud to say that Indiana was among the first states to allow our National Guard to carry firearms at all recruiting stations. Hoosiers know firearms in the hands of law abiding citizens--including our National Guard--makes our communities more safe not, less safe. Indiana will always defend the right to keep and bear arms.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Indiana legislature , Jan 12, 2016

Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental, individual right

While serving in Congress, Mike Pence signed the historic brief filed in McDonald v. City of Chicago, which argued that the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental, individual Right to Keep and Bear Arms for all law-abiding Americans. Pence cosponsored HR822, "The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act," which would ensure that law-abiding Americans with valid concealed handgun permits would be able to carry a concealed handgun in any other state that does not prohibit concealed carry. He also cosponsored HR645, "The Second Amendment Enforcement Act," to repeal the DC gun ban/registration statute and restore the right of self-defense to law-abiding residents of our nation's capital. In addition, Pence cosponsored and voted for the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act," which protected American gun makers from being sued into bankruptcy, and cosponsored and voted for the "Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act," which prohibits gun confiscation during states of emergency.
Source: National Rifle Assoc. Political Victory Fund endorsement , Oct 5, 2012

Voted YES on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers.

A bill to prohibit civil liability actions from being brought or continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition for damages, injunctive or other relief resulting from the misuse of their products by others. A YES vote would:
Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; Bill S 397 ; vote number 2005-534 on Oct 20, 2005

Voted YES on prohibiting suing gunmakers & sellers for gun misuse.

Vote to pass a bill that would prohibit liability lawsuits from being brought against gun manufacturers and dealers based on the criminal misuse of firearms. The bill would also block these actions from being brought up against gun trade organizations and against ammunition makers and sellers. The measure would apply immediately to any pending cases. Several specific exceptions to the ban exist. This includes civil suits would be allowed against a maker or dealer who "knowingly and willfully violated" state or federal laws in the selling or marketing of a weapon. Design and manufacturing defect lawsuits are also permitted when weapons are "used as intended.
Reference: Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act; Bill HR 1036 ; vote number 2003-124 on Apr 9, 2003

Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record.

Pence scores A by NRA on pro-gun rights policies

While widely recognized today as a major political force and as America's foremost defender of Second Amendment rights, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has, since its inception, been the premier firearms education organization in the world. But our successes would not be possible without the tireless efforts and countless hours of service our nearly three million members have given to champion Second Amendment rights and support NRA programs.

The following ratings are based on lifetime voting records on gun issues and the results of a questionaire sent to all Congressional candidates; the NRA assigned a letter grade (with A+ being the highest and F being the lowest).

Source: NRA website 02n-NRA on Dec 31, 2003

National cross-state standard for concealed carry.

Pence signed H.R.197&S.845

Establishes a national standard for the carrying of concealed firearms (other than a machinegun or destructive device) by non-residents. Authorizes a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in one state and who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm under federal law to carry a concealed firearm in another state:

Source: National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act 09-HR197 on Jan 6, 2009

Teach kids Eddie Eagle GunSafe's lifesaving message.

Pence signed H.RES.1365

Source: Resolution Commending the National Rifle Association 10-HRs1365 on May 18, 2010

Loosen restrictions on interstate gun purchases.

Pence co-sponsored Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act

Congressional Summary:Amends the federal criminal code to:

  • allow licensed firearms dealers to sell or deliver any firearm (currently, rifles or shotguns) to any state if the licensee meets with the purchaser and the transaction complies with the laws of the state in which the transfer is conducted and the purchaser's state of residence; and
  • eliminate the requirement that a licensee must conduct business at a gun show only in the state that is specified on the licensee's license.
  • Nothing in this Act shall prohibit the sale of a firearm or ammunition between licensed firearms dealers at any location in any state.

    Proponent's Comments (NRA-ILA, Oct. 14, 2011): This bill would remove several antiquated and unnecessary restrictions imposed on interstate firearms business since 1968:

    Source: HR58/S1691 11-H0058 on Oct 12, 2011

    Allow veterans to register unlicensed guns acquired abroad.

    Pence co-sponsored Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act

    Source: HR420/S798 11-HR0420 on Jan 25, 2011

    Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC.

    Pence co-sponsored banning gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC